Photo taken by Student Ambassador Eitan Cassway
Mail us your film for developing!
Mailing us your film for developing has never been so easy as it is now at PhotoLounge. Whether you are leaving Philadelphia or are not able to come into the city as much you'd like, simply mail us your film for processing. All you have to do is place your order online and select the option, “I’m shipping it to you” when prompted, “How are you getting us your film?”
Once you checkout, you will receive a confirmation email with your order number and a link to create a prepaid shipping label (yes you read that right - prepaid!) We now fully cover the cost of shipping us your film, which means that all you need to do is package your film in a small envelope with your order number, print out the label, and drop your film in a mailbox. You can always use PhotoLounge to process your film no matter where you are in the country!
Watch the video below and follow the further instructions to see how to order!
Once you check out, go to your email to find your confirmation email and click the yellow button to fill out your prepaid shipping label
Print the free label and adhere it to a package that fits your film (approximately 8"x11")! Then, drop the package in your nearest mail box and we will email you once we have received your film!
Mail in Film Developing Common Questions
We make it super easy for customers that are across the county or just outside of Philly to mail us their film. Though, we know that a lot of film users have questions about mailing their film such as, is it safe, is it reliable, and does it cost more? As a way to ease everyone's worries or doubts about mail in film developing, we have answered some of your questions below.
Is it safe to put film through the mail?
Yes it is! The metal canisters your film is rolled up in is light safe so you don’t have to worry about your film being exposed to light. When you mail us your film using our pre-paid shipping label you are also able to track the package through USPS.
How do I package film so it doesn't get damaged?
When possible, place your film in the plastic canisters that come with the film, if you still have them. They will protect your film even more as they are crush proof and liquid tight. Disposable cameras don’t require any additional padding.
Should I use a box or envelope?
Either is fine, but please consider the environment and try to not use excessive packaging material. Unless you are sending many rolls of film, do make sure your package is no larger than the size of a piece of 8.5”x11” piece of paper. If you use a box, keep it very small. If you use an envelope, make sure the envelope is taped well so it won’t rip or use a tear proof envelope.
Will I get negatives back?
Yes, we will send you your negatives back if you ask for them to be shipped back in the order form. We will also ship back prints of the scans if you choose to order prints. Scans of your images will be shared via a link to Dropbox sent to your email.
Does shipping film to PhotoLounge cost extra?
No! Shipping your film to us does not cost you extra at all when you print our pre-paid shipping label. A link to make the label will be sent to you in the confirmation email once you order film processing.
How long does it take for mail in film to be processed?
The prepaid shipping label gives you First Class Package status which takes 1-3 business days to arrive. Once your film arrives in our lab, we will update you by email. If your color film comes to us before 3pm during the week you will receive the scans the following evening. If it arrives after 3pm scans will be sent to you a day later. Black and white film takes longer for us to process so once it arrives you can expect to get the scans approximately 1 week later.
Who do I ship it through?
Our prepaid shipping label goes through USPS so once you package your film you can drop it off at your nearest mailbox. If you rather ship your film through another shipper at your expense please mail it to the address below:
PhotoLounge
3rd Floor
130 South 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
If you still have questions about how to place a mail in order through PhotoLounge, feel free to email us at info@myphotolounge.com.